Report: Ladies 5-1 Luton Town

6 October 2016

Laura O'Leary

The returning Rebecca Vass grabbed the final goal of the game as MK Dons Ladies put five past their local rivals Luton Town Ladies to win 5-1.

The five goals all came from different scorers, with captain Charley Clarke leading the way in the 12th minute with a powerful strike. Vicky Holland then quickly doubled the Dons’ lead shortly after, heading home her own rebound from inside the box.

Charly Wright put the Dons three up moments later with a long-distance strike which left the Hatters’ goalkeeper, Jess Devoti, with no chance.

After going three goals down, the Hatters managed to pull a goal back despite Emma Kirby’s best efforts in goal.

It wasn’t until the second half that the Dons added to their three goals, with substitutes Hannah Barrett and Vass both getting themselves onto the scoresheet to confirm the emphatic win for their side.

The Dons started the game well, instantly putting the Hatters on the back foot with Leah Cudone and Heather McDonnell having half chances to put their side in front.

Captain Clarke made the good start count, scoring a wonder goal by powerfully firing the ball from 30 yards out into the top left-hand corner of the goal which put her side 1-0 up.

The Dons didn’t have to wait long for their second goal, as four minutes later Holland headed home the ball from inside the box after her first attempt was saved by Devoit.

The Hatters, not wanting the game to slip away from them, tried to grab a goal back from kick-off but the ball sailed over the bar.

Wright, following her captain’s lead, also grabbed herself a goal worthy of any highlight reel, blasting the ball from distance into the right-hand side of the goal to make it 3-0 Dons.

The Hatters did manage to grab a goal back this time shortly after the restart despite Kirby’s best efforts in goal, the Hatters slotted home a rebound to make it 3-1.

The Dons nearly grabbed a fourth from a free-kick just before half-time after Clarke was brought down just outside the box. Wright stepped up to take the free-kick and despite it having the keeper beat, it struck the crossbar, allowing the Hatters to clear their lines.

The Dons started the second half nearly as strong as the first half with both Sasha Newsome and Cudone going close to scoring.

However, it was substitute Barrett who grabbed her second goal of the season by firing the ball hard and low into the left hand corner of the goal, to give the Dons a 4-1 lead.

After grabbing a goal earlier in the game, Wright’s game was cut short due to injury and she was replaced by Vass.

Vass’ appearance was a memorable one with her striking the ball expertly past the keeper to mark her return to the side with her first goal of the season.

A buoyant Vass spoke after the game, revealing her happiness at making an impact after coming on. She said: “It was so good to score, I was scared about my fitness so to come on and score the last goal was just brilliant.

“It was not only a good goal but it was great play building up to it, so I’m just overwhelmed.”

Vass is now aiming to “stay fit” and “stay in the team” as well as simply playing good football alongside her teammates.

Manager James Honeyman was thrilled to see Vass return to the the Dons’ setup with a goal. He said: “It’s great for us that she has returned. We were really excited when we signed her but illness and little niggles have stopped her from featuring.

“You can see from her goal today, she has the quality to leave the keeper no chance and now she has grabbed a goal, I’m excited to see where she goes from here."

Honeyman added: “We’ve been building to it, we knew that we were due a big win. It makes a real statement.

“It was the first time that we have kept our quality up for the whole game and the players were chomping at the bit to get goals today.”